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Process and apparatus for recovering condensable components from fluid streams

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6124807

A process and apparatus are described for recovering condensable, heavier hydrocarbon components, e.g., propane, butane, etc., from natural gas streams. One of the gas streams originates from a source of gas rich in the hydrocarbon components and at least one of the other gas streams originates from a source of gas lean in the hydrocarbon components. The rich gas is stripped by oil absorption, refrigeration, or other rich gas recovery means. The lean gas is stripped by solid adsorption means which utilizes an open-cycle regeneration system which in turn is supplied with a portion of the rich gas to act as the regenerative gas. The regenerative gas is slowed through a saturated adsorbent bed where it desorbs previously adsorbed heavier hydrocarbons and carries the hydrocarbons to a separator where the heavier hydrocarbons are condensed. The gaseous phase of the regenerative gas plus desorbed heavier components are returned from the separator to the rich gas stream and are stripped in the rich gas-recovery means. (7 claims)

Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3554904
OSTI ID:
6124807
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English